There are times when Fresno chili just can’t be found. Maybe you’re out of town and forgot to pack your favorite pepper. Or, maybe the grocery store is all out and you need a quick substitution.
Trust me; I know the frustration of not being able to find Fresno chili when you need it most. I’ve been there before and had to get creative with my substitutions.
So, today, I’m sharing with you my top ten Fresno chili substitutes that will still give your dish the same great flavor. With these substitutes, you’ll be able to continue cooking your favorite dishes without skipping a beat.
Here they are:
Substitutes for Fresno Chili:
- Habanero chili
- Thai Jinda Chilies
- Jalapeno chili
- Serrano chili
- Tien Tsin
- Scotch Bonnet
- Holland Chili
- Chipotle Peppers
- Red Chili Peppers
- Cayenne Pepper
Habanero chili
If you’re out of Fresno chili and need a substitute in a hurry, habanero peppers are a great option. These unique peppers are incredibly hot, and they have a crunchy texture. They also offer a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness.
It is important to use them sparingly when substituting habaneros for Fresno chili. A good rule of thumb is to start with half as many habaneros as you would Fresno chili, and then add more to taste. This will help ensure that your dish doesn’t end up being too spicy.
Finally, be sure to adjust any other ingredients in the recipe accordingly. For example, if the recipe calls for two tablespoons of Fresno chili, you will only need one tablespoon of habanero pepper.
Thai Jinda Chilies
Thai Junda chili is a type of chili that is native to Thailand. It is often used as a replacement for Fresno chili.
It comes in both red and green colors, but no matter the color, it is very spicy. It is usually small in size and the smaller it is, the hotter it is.
Thai Junda chili is usually used in Thai food. It can increase appetite and make you sweat. Thai Junda chili can also make you feel the burn. It is a great substitute for Fresno chili.
Jalapeno chili
If you can’t find Fresno chili, jalapeno chili is very similar to it. The main difference is that Fresno chili is spicier.
As a general rule of thumb, you can use two jalapenos for every one Fresno chili called for in a recipe. This ratio will vary depending on the dish you’re making and your personal preferences, but it’s a good starting point.
When substituting jalapeno chili for Fresno chili, keep in mind that the jalapeno will add a little bit of its own flavor to the dish.
If you’re looking for a more neutral flavor, you may want to remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before using them as a substitute.
Serrano chili
Serrano peppers are a hot and spicy pepper that can be used to substitute Fresno chili.
The Serrano pepper is about five times as hot as the jalapeño, so you may want to use a different ratio when substituting it for Fresno chili, depending on your preference.
The benefit of using Serrano peppers is that they add a lot of flavor to dishes without being overwhelming. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Tien Tsin
Tien Tsin is a great substitute for Fresno chili because it can be used in many of the same dishes.
Tien Tsin is usually combined with chicken curry and lemon sauce and is a great option for those who enjoy high heat.
The only downside to Tien Tsin is that it is not as widely available as Fresno chili. However, it has a higher heat level than Fresno chili – a heat profile of 50000-75000 SHU. So, it may be worth seeking out if you’re looking for a little extra spice in your life.
Finally, Tien Tsin is a good choice for those who are looking for an alternative to Fresno chili that is not as widely available. If you can find Tien Tsin, it’s definitely worth trying it out!
Scotch Bonnet
This pepper is bonnet-shaped. Its hotness is largely dependent on where it is grown, but it is generally much hotter than the Fresno chili. So, be sure to taste one before using it as a replacement for Fresno chili.
When using scotch bonnets, it is important to use them properly. If you don’t, they can easily overwhelm a dish and make it too spicy to eat.
A good rule of thumb is to start with half as many scotch bonnets as you would Fresno chili and then add more to taste. This will help ensure that your dish isn’t too spicy.
And you may have to adjust any other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
When used properly, scotch bonnet peppers can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish. So if you’re looking for a pepper that packs a punch, the scotch bonnet is the way to go.
Holland Chili
Holland chilies are a great option. They are milder than Fresno chilies, making them a good choice for salads and soups. They also have an acidic taste that can help to brighten up a dish.
The benefits of using Holland chili as a substitute are that they are less expensive and easier to find. You’ll see them in most grocery stores, and they are often used in Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes.
What’s more? They are also a good source of vitamin C and can be used in many recipes. holland chilies are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your dish, holland chili is a great option.
So if you’re looking for pepper with a little less heat and extra flavor, Holland chili should be the choice you make.
Chipotle Peppers
Sometimes you just can’t find a Fresno chili when you need one. In these cases, chipotle chili is the perfect substitute.
This smoked and dried pepper is usually spicier than a Fresno, so you may want to use it in a half ratio at first.
And since it’s smokier and more intense-flavored, chipotle can really elevate a recipe.
So if you’re looking for a little extra something-something in your dish, chipotle chili is the way to go.
Thai Luang peppers are a great substitute for Fresno chili peppers. They come in three distinct colors – orange, pink and yellow, so they can add a nice touch of color to your dish. They also have a fruity, earthy flavor that can complement many flavors.
They have a high heat level of 50,000 – 100,000 SHU, so when substituting thai Luang peppers for Fresno chili peppers, it’s important to use the correct ratio.
Thai Luang peppers are spicier than Fresno chili peppers, so you’ll want to use half as many Thai Luang peppers as you would Fresno chili peppers.
For example, if a recipe calls for one Fresno chili pepper, you would substitute with half an orange Thai Luang pepper.
Thai Luang peppers are also a good source of vitamins A and C.
Red Chili Peppers
If you’re looking for a substitute for Fresno chili, look no further than red chili peppers. Red chili peppers retain their heat and taste, over a long period of time, making them a great option for those who want to add a little extra spice to their dish.
Additionally, red chili peppers are more widely available than Fresno chili, so you’re likely to find them in your local grocery store.
And if you’re looking for a region-specific substitute, red chili peppers are a better option than Fresno chili, as they’re native to South America. So if you’re looking for a substitute that retains its heat and taste , red chili peppers are the way to go.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that comes from the Capsicum annuum plant. They are typically red, but they can also be yellow, orange, or white.
These peppers are commonly used in many different cuisines around the world. In America, it is often used as a spice in dishes such as curry and chili.
The best part is the health benefits that cayenne pepper provides; It can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C and can help to clear congestion and reduce inflammation.
If you’re looking for a substitute for Fresno chili, cayenne pepper is a good option. It has a similar taste and can be used in many of the same dishes.
In Conclusion
There are many different substitutes for Fresno chili, each with its own distinct flavor and benefits.
When substituting, be sure to use the correct ratio so that your dish doesn’t become too spicy or bland.
Enjoy experimenting with these different peppers in your cooking!